Valerie, an 8-pound dachshund with a huge heart, has pulled off the ultimate survival story. After vanishing on Australia’s Kangaroo Island during a family vacation in November 2023, this little adventurer spent 529 days living wild before finally being rescued.
Valerie’s incredible journey started when she slipped away from her owners, Josh Fishlock and Georgia Gardner, while they were exploring the island. Despite a frantic search by her heartbroken humans and local volunteers, she seemed to vanish into the island’s rugged landscape. Eventually, Josh and Georgia had to return home, but they never gave up hope—and neither did the community.
Over the months, Valerie became a bit of a legend. Kangala Wildlife Rescue, along with a team of determined locals, logged over 1,000 hours and traveled more than 3,000 miles in their quest to bring her home. They posted regular updates, sharing sightings of a small dog darting away at the first glimpse of a person or vehicle.
“No one thought a little dachshund could survive alone in the wild for so long,” Kangala Wildlife Rescue shared in a March post. “But sightings kept coming in. We knew she was still out there, and we knew we had to keep trying.”
Surviving among Kangaroo Island’s dense brush and wildlife—including kangaroos, koalas, and even sea lions—Valerie adapted like a true champion. She was spotted several times near Stokes Bay, about 15 kilometers from where she disappeared, still wearing her pink collar.
Rescuers came close to catching her multiple times. At one point, Valerie approached a rescue site filled with her favorite treats and toys from home, only to find a group of possums had beaten her to the snacks, scaring her off before anyone could grab her. But the team didn’t give up.
Finally, their careful tracking and patience paid off. Valerie is now safe and sound, healthy, and getting ready for an emotional reunion with her parents.
“After weeks of tireless efforts by Kangala Wildlife Rescue volunteers and partner organizations, Valerie has been safely rescued and is fit and well,” the rescue shared in a joyful update on Facebook. “We are absolutely thrilled and deeply relieved that Valerie is finally safe.”
The happy news had fans around the world crying tears of joy.
“Omg yessss!!!! I am bawling right now!” one commenter wrote. “Nothing but happy tears!!! I have been praying so hard for Valerie, and today mine and many others’ prayers were answered!”
Another added, “Absolutely incredible team effort! Huge respect to everyone involved. No one will ever forget Valerie, the runaway pooch. We’re not crying, you are.”
Valerie’s story is a powerful reminder that hope, perseverance, and a lot of love can move mountains—or in this case, track down one very determined little dog on a very big island.
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Thanks to the universe and the huge hearts of all who searched for her all this time never gave up. Bless you all